Angora rabbit is one of the oldest domestic rabbit breed variety originating in Angora (today which is called Ankara), Turkey. The Angora is a variety, not a breed and was mainly bred for it’s long and soft wool.
Angora rabbit was very popular as pets with French royalty in the mid 18th century. And then spread to the other parts of Europe by the end of the century. In the early 20th century, the Angora rabbit first appeared in the United States and the breed was bred largely for it’s long Angora wool. It’s wool may be easily removed by combing, plucking or shearing.
There are many individual breeds of Angora rabbit variety. Such as Chinese, English, French, German, Korean, Swiss, Giant, Finnish, Satin and St. Lucian. But all the breeds are not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association. Only four varieties are recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association, which are; French, English, Satin and Giant.
The German Angora rabbit is also a common breed. But it’s not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association. Rather it has it’s own association, the IAGARB (International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders). Here we are shortly describing about four ARBA recognized Angora rabbit breeds.
Angora Rabbit Characteristics
The size of Angora rabbit vary depending on the type. On average, the typical breed is quite small and has a rounded appearance. They are mainly bred for their fine quality wool, which is silky and soft. Their wool is finer and softer than cashmere.
Depending on the type, their average body weight is between 2.0 and 5.5 kg or even larger. Physical characteristics vary depending on the type of Angora rabbit. So here we are describing about four ARBA recognized breeds.
English
English Angora rabbits are gentle in nature. But they require regular grooming. Their wool is very dense and needs to be groomed twice a week. So it’s not a recommended breed for those people who do not groom their animals regularly.
English Angora rabbit is the smallest breed of the four ARBA recognized breeds. And it is the only rabbit breed which has hair covering it’s eyes.
ARBA accepted English Angora rabbit varieties are; agouti, broken, self, shaded, ruby-eye white and pointed white. It’s average body weight is about 2.0-3.5 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
French
French Angora rabbits are larger in size with a commercial body type. It has a big under coat. And it differs from the English, German and Giant angora and it possesses a hairless face and front feet, with only minor tufting on the rear legs.
Their fiber has smooth silky texture, making it difficult to spin. Desirable characteristics of the French Angora rabbit’s fiber include it’s texture, warmth, light weight and pure white color.
ARBA accepted varieties of French Angora rabbit are agouti, self, ticked, wide band, pointed white, shaded and also it can be brown tones and broken. Average body weight of this breed is between 3.5 and 4.5 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
Giant
Giant Angora rabbits are the largest in this variety recognized by the ARBA. They produce more wool than the Satin, English or French Angora. They mostly appear in ruby-eye white color.
They have a commercial type body with a very dense coat of wool. Their head is oval in appearance which is broad across the forehead and slightly narrower at the muzzle.
Their ears are lightly fringed and well tasseled, and they have forehead tufts and cheek furnishings. Ruby-eyed white is the only variety of Giant Angora rabbits recognized by the ARBA. Their average body weight is up to 5.5 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
Satin
The Satin Angora rabbits are result of cross breeding between a Satin and a French Angora rabbit. They do not produce as much wool as other Angora rabbit breeds. Their wool should have a silky texture, high luster with good guard hair.
Agouti, shaded, self, sicked, pointed white and wide band are the ARBA accepted varieties. Average body weight of the Satin Angora rabbit is between 3.0 and 4.5 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
Uses
These rabbits are mainly kept for their fine quality wool production. They are also good for raising as pets.
Special Notes
Most of these rabbits are calm and docile in nature. They are very lovable and intelligent creature. They are very friendly with humans and love to play if given enough space.
They even enjoy playing with humans. They should be handled carefully. Grooming is a must for them for preventing their fiber from matting and felting on the rabbit.
Average lifespan of Angora rabbit is about 7-12 years if kept indoors and well cared for. However, review full breed profile of the this rabbit in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Angora |
| Other Name | None |
| Type | Chinese, English, French, Finnish, German, Giant, Korean, Satin, St. Lucian, Swiss |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly raised for wool production, good as pets. |
| Breed Size | Medium to Large |
| English | 2.0-3.5 kg |
| French | 3.5-4.5 kg |
| Giant | 5.5 kg or larger |
| Satin | 3.0-4.5 kg |
| Suitable for Commercial Production | Yes |
| Good as Pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | Turkey |
Angora Rabbit Facts
Here are the best Angora rabbit facts, from their history and appearance to their temperament and care.
- Angora rabbits originated in Turkey and were first bred for their wool in the 18th century.
- They are named after the city of Ankara, which was formerly known as Angora.
- Angora rabbits have long, soft wool that can grow up to six inches in length.
- They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, gray, and brown.
- Angora rabbits are medium-sized, with males weighing between 7-9 pounds and females weighing between 8-10 pounds.
- They have large, upright ears and a docile temperament.
- Angora rabbits are a domesticated breed and are kept as pets, show animals, and for their wool.
- They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles in their wool.
- Angora rabbits are herbivores and require a diet of high-quality hay, fresh vegetables, and rabbit pellets.
- They have a lifespan of 7-12 years, depending on their care and genetics.
- Angora rabbits have a gentle and calm disposition, making them great pets for families with children.
- They are social animals and enjoy the company of other rabbits.
- Angora rabbits are intelligent and can be trained to use a litter box and respond to basic commands.
- They require regular exercise and playtime to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
- Angora rabbits are sensitive to extreme temperatures and require a cool and comfortable living environment.
- They are prone to health problems such as dental issues and hair blockages, which require regular veterinary care.
- Angora rabbits are a popular breed for their wool, which is used for spinning and knitting.
- They are shorn every three to four months to prevent their wool from becoming too heavy and causing health problems.
- Angora wool is known for its softness and warmth, and is often blended with other fibers to create high-quality clothing and accessories.
- Angora rabbits can be bred with other rabbit breeds to create unique hybrid breeds.
- They require a quiet and stress-free environment to thrive, as they can be prone to anxiety and stress-related illnesses.
- Angora rabbits are a low-maintenance breed in terms of feeding and exercise, but require regular grooming to maintain their wool.
- They are docile and friendly animals that enjoy spending time with their owners.
- Angora rabbits are often used in pet therapy programs, as they can provide comfort and support to people in need.
- Angora rabbits are a unique and fascinating breed with a long history and many wonderful qualities. They make excellent pets for those who appreciate their soft wool and gentle disposition.
Tips for Raising Angora Rabbits
Here are some of the best tips for raising Angora rabbits, from grooming and feeding to housing and exercise.
- Keep your Angora rabbit’s living space clean and well-ventilated. They require a lot of space to move around and exercise.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with plenty of fresh hay and water at all times. They also require a diet of high-quality rabbit pellets and fresh vegetables.
- Groom your Angora rabbit regularly to prevent matting and hair blockages. This is especially important for their wool, which can be prone to tangling.
- Use a slicker brush to gently brush your Angora rabbit’s wool every day. This will help to prevent matting and tangles.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with plenty of mental stimulation, such as chew toys and cardboard boxes to play in.
- Avoid overfeeding your Angora rabbit, as they can be prone to obesity.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with plenty of socialization opportunities with other rabbits and people.
- Make sure to provide your Angora rabbit with a comfortable and cozy sleeping area, such as a nest box or hutch.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with a safe and secure outdoor space to play and exercise.
- Train your Angora rabbit to use a litter box to make cleaning their living space easier.
- Avoid exposing your Angora rabbit to extreme temperatures, as they can be prone to heat stroke and hypothermia.
- Make sure to provide your Angora rabbit with plenty of shade and fresh water when they are outside.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with plenty of opportunities to exercise, such as supervised playtime outside or running around in a rabbit-proofed indoor space.
- Keep your Angora rabbit’s vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date to prevent illness and disease.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and high-quality rabbit pellets.
- Avoid feeding your Angora rabbit sugary or processed foods, as these can be harmful to their health.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with plenty of fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration.
- Make sure to provide your Angora rabbit with a comfortable and soft surface to rest on, such as a soft mat or blanket.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with a cozy hiding spot in their living space to help them feel safe and secure.
- Avoid using harsh cleaning products on your Angora rabbit’s living space, as these can be harmful to their health.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with a variety of chew toys to keep their teeth healthy and prevent boredom.
- Monitor your Angora rabbit’s behavior and health closely, and seek veterinary care if you notice any changes or signs of illness.
- Avoid exposing your Angora rabbit to loud noises or stressful environments, as these can cause anxiety and other behavior problems.
- Provide your Angora rabbit with plenty of fresh air and natural light, as this can improve their overall health and wellbeing.
- Keep your Angora rabbit’s living space free of any hazards or potential dangers, such as sharp objects or toxic plants.
